Day 551 Of The War: How Can We Remain Hopeful?

On Saturday night in Habima Square, thousands of people stood listening to the warnings of respected political leaders like Tzipi Livni and Yoav Segalovich. Both had previously held high-level positions in the Israeli security services before retiring and entering politics. It was clear that neither of them ever expected Israel to reach a point where its political leadership could no longer be trusted. Still, how can we remain hopeful?

First, standing with so many people in Habima who care deeply about the future of our country gives me strength.

The second reason may seem more remote, but it is just as important. Last week, I took part in a tour organized by the New Israel Fund to the southern Hebron Hills. The purpose was to show donors the harsh conditions Palestinians face in that area and to witness the joint efforts of Israeli and Palestinian activists working together to make their lives a little more bearable. It is important to emphasize that the New Israel Fund supports those in need—Israelis, Palestinians in the Palestinian Authority, and even refugees in Gaza.

In the early days of the war, after October 7, when the state had not yet organized support for evacuees, the Fund stepped in—quietly and effectively—paying hotel bills for displaced Israeli families. That was when I realized how vital it was to support the Fund. They understood what was most needed and acted swiftly and without fanfare, unlike the state, which failed us. Alongside other civil organizations, the Fund stepped in without pomp or publicity.

Last week, we saw firsthand the unbearable conditions faced by Palestinians living in the southern Hebron Hills, in stark contrast to the nearby settlements. The settlers live in beautiful houses, with ample water for public spaces and access to excellent education. Meanwhile, the Palestinians are persecuted. Their water sources are limited, and the areas where they can herd their sheep and goats are shrinking. In recent years, settlers—sometimes with the protection and even cooperation of the army—have harassed them. Just two weeks ago, Hamdan Ballal, one of the creators of the Academy Award-winning film No Other Land, was brutally beaten by settlers in that area.

So if the situation is so grim, and with 59 hostages still held in Gaza, why do I insist on remaining hopeful?

First, because—like the name of the film No Other Land—I have no other country. And every day, I witness the kindness and activism of people like me. Whether they are helping Palestinians, supporting the families of the hostages, or rebuilding the destroyed communities in the south and north of Israel, they do it quietly—because it simply needs to be done. If only the politicians—the government and the coalition—were worthy of the incredible people in this country.